“Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” - Psalm 25:4-5
David wrote this Psalm from a place of distress and affliction (v16-18). Not only does he cry out for forgiveness, but he pleads for wisdom in the way forward. As the words "way" and "path" are repeated several times throughout this Psalm, David acknowledges that God's ways are not discovered by his own merit but require a humble and trusting posture. In the midst of trial and adversity, God is our refuge. He is our salvation. He poured out his love for us in Christ Jesus who suffered the absence of the Father on the cross that we might be reconciled to him. Through faith in Christ, God gives us his Holy Spirit who guides us into his truth and leads us on the path of greater joy and delight in him. We all hunger for truth, for the best way forward in any given situation. God's Word calls us in the wilderness seasons or situations to wait on him, to listen and trust him, and humbly walk forward in surrender to his leading. He is the God of our salvation. His love for us in Jesus can never be taken away.
Questions:
When do you find it most difficult to trust God?
What does the gospel teach us about God's faithfulness and nearness in our time of need?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for being the God of my salvation. Thank you for dying on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins so that I can be brought near to the Father and filled with your Holy Spirit. Your Word is truth. Help me trust you in this chaotic and unknown season. "Make me to know your ways, O Lord; and teach me your paths." Remind me of your grace. Humble me as I wait on you..
By Sean Lyons